CRITICAL: These Communications Form Wright Hassall's Case
The correspondence below, particularly Stan Harris's 14 June 2023 letter, is now being used by Wright Hassall as evidence of a "pre-action admission" by KG Project. They argue this admission cannot be withdrawn.
NEW EVIDENCE CONTEXT: The March 2021 "Notification" is Misleading
Wright Hassall combines the June 2023 Stan Harris letter with a claim that Katerina "was notified of roof issues in March 2021" to suggest 2+ years of landlord neglect. Recent evidence discovery shows this is misleading:
Al's Email (31 March 2021) actually says:
"there was a leak during a heavy bout of rain back in October. It has not happened since then."
Key Facts:
- The leak was from October 2020 - 5 months before the email
- The leak had already stopped - "It has not happened since then"
- Al was asking an informational question, not demanding repairs
- Al himself said renovation works should wait until "next year"
- The March 2022 repairs were for a NEW, DIFFERENT leak
Impact: While the Stan Harris letter is still problematic (the "admission"), the broader WH narrative of prolonged landlord neglect is undermined. The October 2020 leak resolved itself; there was no emergency to address in March 2021.
Stan Harris Formal Letter to Al Sarpong
On behalf of: KG Project Ltd (Katerina Perepech)
THE ADMISSION - Now Used Against KG Project:
Other Key Points in Letter:
- Acknowledges there is NO express covenant in the lease for maintenance
- Voluntarily accepts responsibility anyway
- Proposes independent person to decide disputes
- Offers £500 settlement (half of £1,000 deemed reasonable for roof repairs)
- Proposes offsetting 2 years unpaid ground rent (£500) against Al's claim
Al Sets Out His Position
Al responds to Stan's letter, setting out his position on the dispute.
Key points in response:
- Agrees that working together and reaching agreement before action is in both parties' interest
- Prepared to discuss the settlement offer
- Has concerns about certain points in the letter
Stan Harris Follow-up Letter
Stan sends a follow-up letter marked "WITHOUT PREJUDICE" (unlike the 14 June letter).
Contents:
- Thanks Al for setting out his position on 15th
- Agrees that working together is in both parties' interest
- Reiterates settlement offer of £500
- Ground rent offset proposal remains
Al Acknowledges Receipt of Stan's Letter
Al writes to Katerina confirming he received Stan Harris's communications:
Al also confirms support for the idea of an independent person to decide disputes, "so long as the person appointed is of fit and proper standing."
View Original EmailAl Responds on Settlement Terms
Al provides his detailed response to the settlement proposal, expressing his position on:
- The £500 offer (considered too low)
- The ground rent offset arrangement
- Future management of the building
Stan Harris Follow-up
Stan follows up on the settlement negotiations, attempting to move towards resolution.
View Original EmailAl's Response
Al responds to Stan's 5 July communication.
View Original EmailStan Reports to Katerina About Al
Stan writes to Katerina expressing frustration with the negotiations:
Stan also notes he has spent more hours than the original quote and attaches a draft fee note.
View Original EmailLast Recorded Communication
Final communications in this series before the matter went dormant.
The dispute remained unresolved, with no agreement reached on the settlement terms.
Legal Implications of These Communications
Wright Hassall's Arguments:
- Estoppel: Al relied on KG Project's admission and is now suffering detriment
- Pre-action Admission: The 14 June letter is an admission that cannot be withdrawn under CPR 14.1(2)(a)
- Open Letter: Because it wasn't "Without Prejudice", it's admissible evidence
- Corporate Reliance: KG Project is a company that had legal advice - they should be held to their admission
Potential Counter-Arguments:
- The admission was made in context of settlement negotiations
- Al did not accept the offer at the time
- The lease terms are what they are - admission doesn't change the contract
- New legal advice may reveal the admission was incorrect
Key Dates Summary
| Date | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 14 June 2023 | Stan Harris sends OPEN letter to Al | THE KEY ADMISSION |
| 15 June 2023 | Al responds setting out his position | Engagement with proposal |
| 20 June 2023 | Stan sends "Without Prejudice" follow-up | Settlement discussions |
| 21 June 2023 | Al confirms receipt, partial agreement | Acknowledges "good sense" in letter |
| 22 June 2023 | Al responds on settlement terms | Rejects £500 as too low |
| 18 July 2023 | Stan calls Al "obstinate" | Negotiations stalling |
| September 2023 | Communications cease | No resolution reached |
| July 2025 | Al reports new leak | Matter reactivates |
| October 2025 | Wright Hassall cites 14 June letter | Admission used against KG Project |